PHILADELPHIA. – During an event held at the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) section in this city, the Dominican leader and current president of the Board of Directors of INDOTEL, Guido Gómez Mazara, presented his most recent book Electoral Transition 1966–1996 and took the opportunity to launch a forceful message to Dominicans residing in the United States.
Before a committed audience, Gómez Mazara emphasized that the political strength of the diaspora – which exceeds 2.3 million people – can transform its environment if it actively participates in local electoral processes, such as school boards or neighborhood committees, and organizes itself communally.
He emphasized that voting in those elections not only strengthens the Dominican voice in the U.S., but also serves as a lever to generate direct improvements in the quality of life of those who live outside the country.
To illustrate the relevance of the path taken, he recalled milestones such as the election of Guillermo Linares in 1990 and the current presence of Congressman Adriano Espaillat, pointing out that these achievements are the product of collective effort and represent clear examples of how the diaspora can access positions of power.
In addition, he referred to the dual role of the Dominican community: while they already exercise their right to vote in the Dominican Republic to elect president and overseas deputies, they must also commit to the political spheres of the host country, where they work and educate their children.
The politician lamented that there is still a lack of understanding in the Dominican Republic about the potential of this diaspora, made up of professionals trained in the best universities in the U.S., with a presence in key sectors and great capacity for influence.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, in which attendees expressed their interest in strengthening ties with the Dominican Republic and taking on a more active role in their host communities. Gómez Mazara thanked them for the warm welcome and expressed optimism about the impact that the Dominican diaspora can generate if it transforms its demographic presence into effective political power.
